PHOTO SUBMITTED / Members of the Christian rock band, Judahseed, include (from left) Russ DuBose of Georgetown, Michael Flanagan of Byram, Mike Balmer and Ryan Spear, both of Wesson, and Allen Marler of Crystal Springs.

Members of the Copiah County Christian rock band Judahseed are looking forward to celebrating the release of their new album.

In honor of “Late September,” the band is holding an album release concert at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at the First Baptist Church Outreach Center in Crystal Springs. The concert, which will also feature a guest band, “Stone Water,” will be free to all ages. Stone Water is from the McComb area.

“Judahseed is first and foremost a ministry for our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus,” the band members say on their Facebook page. “Secondly, we are five guys from small towns with big hearts for spreading God’s Word through the musical talents with which He has blessed us.”

Judahseed members include Mike Balmer, performing lead vocals, from Wesson; Russ DuBose, on acoustic guitar/vocals, from Georgetown; Michael Flanagan on bass guitar/vocals from Byram; Allen Marler on percussion/vocals, from Crystal Springs; and Ryan Spear, on lead guitar, from Wesson.

The group traces its beginning to 2001 as a praise band at Crystal Springs’ Springs of Praise Church.

Balmer and DuBose started writing songs based on a Gospel message. Nearly 10 years later, their album, “I Believe” received a nod for “New Artist of the Year” on the ICM charts in 2010.

After the release of “I Believe,” Flanagan and Marler were added to the group as the rhythm section with Spear joining them soon after. At that point, the “Judahseed sound” took on “a relevant and somewhat heavier approach,” according to the group’s Facebook biography.

“In late 2012, the quintet immediately found their voice as Judahseed and began polishing songs for the ‘Late September’ album,” their Facebook page states.

The band’s sound has been compared to Bad Company, The Black Crowes, 38 Special and The Eagles, along with David and The Giants, the Dave Matthews Band, Yes and Velvet Revolver.

For more information about Judahseed, visit to the band’s Facebook page or the Judahseed website at www.judahseed.com. The group also is on YouTube, Twitter and iTunes.